A strong upper level low pressure system intensified over the Central Plains during the day Sunday, November 27.  After raining much of the day, cold air and strong winds quickly changed the rain to snow in the early evening. The winds increased rapidly, and by late evening, were gusting over 50 mph. The fierce winds continued all night and throughout the day Monday, November 28th. Winds gusted to 70 mph at times and caused "white out" conditions in snow and wind. Hundreds of holiday travelers were stranded in shelters set up at schools, churches, homes and motels in south central Nebraska. A 220 mile stretch of interstate 80 was closed for almost two days due to the zero visibility. Dozens of other highways were closed as well. Two cross country lines of rail traffic was halted due to huge snow drifts and the dangerous conditions. At one point, 175 trains were stopped on both the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern lines. Power was out for a time for over 5,000 customers of various public power districts. In some cases, rural customers lost power for over 45 hours. Though not all in south central Nebraska, the Nebraska Public Power District estimated their losses alone at over 1 million dollars. In Phelps County, over 60 irrigation pivots were severely damaged by the high winds. Ranchers reported hundreds of cattle lost and unaccounted for once the storm had cleared. Nearly every school was closed for at least two days during the week, with a few closed four days. Actual snowfall over the area ranged from 3 to 8 inches. The heaviest amounts fell across Dawson, Gosper and Phelps counties, where 7 to 8 inches was common. The 50 to 70 mph winds whipped the snow into drifts 15 to 20 feet tall in places. During the event, the reported visibilities were reported to be less then 10 feet on average. Despite the brutal blizzard, only a few traffic accidents were reported and no injuries occurred. On a lighter "note", a concert by the Dallas Brass Quintet was canceled in Holdrege. However, the quintet did perform at the Super 8 motel in town for about 40 stranded travelers. The quintet played various holiday songs and received a standing ovation for their efforts.

Blizzard in BUFFALO, NEBRASKA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 18:00:00 (CST)
Property damage: 250K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Blizzard in DAWSON, NEBRASKA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 18:00:00 (CST)
Property damage: 250K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Blizzard in FRANKLIN, NEBRASKA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 18:00:00 (CST)
Property damage: 250K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Blizzard in FURNAS, NEBRASKA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 18:00:00 (CST)
Property damage: 250K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Blizzard in GOSPER, NEBRASKA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 18:00:00 (CST)
Property damage: 250K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Blizzard in GREELEY, NEBRASKA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 18:00:00 (CST)
Property damage: 250K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Blizzard in HARLAN, NEBRASKA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 18:00:00 (CST)
Property damage: 250K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Blizzard in HOWARD, NEBRASKA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 18:00:00 (CST)
Property damage: 250K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Blizzard in KEARNEY, NEBRASKA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 18:00:00 (CST)
Property damage: 250K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Blizzard in PHELPS, NEBRASKA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 18:00:00 (CST)
Property damage: 250K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Blizzard in SHERMAN, NEBRASKA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 18:00:00 (CST)
Property damage: 250K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Blizzard in VALLEY, NEBRASKA
From 27-NOV-05 16:00:00 to 28-NOV-05 18:00:00 (CST)
Property damage: 250K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER